Surfers to hold memorial for shark attack victim

The Sunshine Coast surfing community is planning a "paddle out" to honour former Coolum surfer Chris Boyd, who was killed by a shark south of Perth on the weekend.

The 35-year-old father of two moved to Western Australia from the coast about a year ago.

The president of the Coolum Boardriders Club, Daryl Maudsley, says surfers will paddle out and form a circle in the ocean to pay their respects.

"It's a traditional way to show respect for someone in the surf and just the sheer fact that so many people have been touched by him - both here and the other side of the continent - we've got two solid communities just mourning in unison," he said.

"Just shows what an impact he had on all the people he did come in contact with."

Mr Maudsley says the date for the paddle out is yet to be set.

"Probably organised by the club but obviously it will be for the entire Coolum and Yaroomba surfing community," he said.

"Again, we will work in the date for that with the family.

"Basically everyone is united by the love of the ocean. We've all gravitated to each other over the last few decades.

"Everyone sits out, holds hands, everyone has a quiet prayer and then all of a sudden Chris is back with the ocean ... it's always very emotional scenes."